Project Factsheet

The Mars B project will add new infrastructure to develop the Mars field and nearby exploration discoveries: the Olympus tension leg platform (TLP), with 24 well slots and a self-contained drilling rig; the West Boreas/South Deimos subsea system; and an oil and gas export system, including a WD-143C shallow-water platform.

Mars Field Facts

Mars Field discovered in 1989 and began producing in 1996.

Located approximately 130 miles south of New Orleans.

3000 feet water depth.

To date has produced over 700 million barrels (the equivalent of about 13 billion gallons of gasoline that at an average of 20 mpg could fuel a vehicle to travel over 10 million times round the equator!), with significant resource base remaining to be developed.

Mars B extends Mars Field life to at least 2050.

Project Specific Facts

First Gulf of Mexico deepwater project of its kind to significantly expand an existing oil field operation. In doing so, the development maximizes the recovery of a true deepwater giant and ensures the Mars field will continue to contribute to US energy supply for future decades.

Olympus TLP will also provide process infrastructure for two recent deep water discoveries, West Boreas and South Deimos.

Reservoirs located at depth of 10,000 feet to 22,000 feet (approximately 2 to 4 miles below sea level).

Development located in approximately 3,100 feet water depth.

192 people will live and work on Olympus TLP.

Production capacity is approximately 100,000 boe/d.

Mars B impacted over 25,000 employees in 37 US states during the construction phase.

Expected first production in 2014.

Olympus is the seventh and largest floating platform for Shell in the Gulf of Mexico.